Wednesday, January 05, 2000
Georgia Tech tall order for UK
6-9 Knight leaves 'Cats
The Associated Press
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A game against Georgia Tech's twin towers — 7-foot Jason Collier and 6-11 Alvin Jones — will present the tallest test of the season so far for No.25 Kentucky.
It's a challenge the Wildcats will face with one fewer post player on their bench, following backup center Nate Knight's decision to leave the team.
Coach Tubby Smith announced Knight's departure Tuesday. The 6-foot-9 junior from Sandy, Utah, signed with Kentucky last spring from Utah Valley State College, a junior college, following the transfer of Michael Bradley, who started at center for UK last season.
But Knight saw little action over Kentucky's first 12 games, playing just 79 minutes in nine games. He averaged 1.7 points and 2.2 rebounds a game.
Smith declined to discuss the reasons for Knight's departure.
Knight's teammate and roommate, J.P. Blevins, said lack of playing time and personal concerns both played a part in Knight's departure. The junior's plans were not immediately known.
Without Knight, Kentucky has only 6-10 center Jamaal Magloire, 6-11 forward Jules Camara and 6-10 forward/center Marvin Stone to man the post. Though sophomore Tayshaun Prince is 6-9, he plays a guard/forward role in Kentucky's offense.
“It kind of puts us in a tough situation, with only three post players,” Smith said. “Jules will definitely have to play a lot, because we're going to be playing against much taller teams now. ... We're going to have to ask Jules and Marvin to really step up there, especially with Nate not giving us that depth that we thought we had.”
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